Western New England University Alumni

Western New England University School of Law alumna, Lindsay DiSantis L’13, has been elected as a corporator for the Community Bancorp of the Berkshires. As a managing partner at Hunter, Graziano & DiSantis P.C. law firm, she specializes in residential and commercial real estate, estate planning, business law, and is a certified mediator. Her extensive mediation skills have been honed through years of litigation in both the public and private sectors. DiSantis has argued cases up to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, including developing a pivotal alimony case - Snow v. Snow, 476 Mass. 425 (2017), making her a feature for our !

To learn more about Lindsay and her new role at the Community Bancorp of the Berkshires, visit 👉 bit.ly/alumninewsLD

Just tied the knot, welcomed a new little cub, or started your dream job? Share your 'un-bear-lievably' special moments with us! 💍✨💼 We can't wait to celebrate your milestones together!

We want to hear from you! Submit your class notes here 👉 surveymonkey.com/r/w20classnote to be featured in WNE magazine.

Don't Miss Out! Register for 2024 happening Friday, October 18 - Sunday, October 20! 💛💙 Enjoy food trucks, reunions, sporting events, and more all while making memories with fellow Golden Bears at Western New England University.

Registration is now open! Visit alumni.wne.edu/goldenbearweekend to view the list of events and to register.

Calling all owned businesses! Join us for on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Showcase your merchandise on Golden Bear Boulevard as friends, family, and alumni visit Western New England University. The deadline to sign up is Tuesday, October 1, 2024. For more information, contact Dana Pugh at [email protected] or (413) 782-1311.

Join us in congratulating Western New England University College of Arts and Sciences alumnus, Warren Nelson Jr. '05, as he has officially retired after 32 years of service to the Town of Bolton, Mass. Nelson began his career in public safety as an EMT and on-call firefighter for nine years, then served as an auxiliary police officer in Stow and Wayland, Mass. He joined Bolton in 1992, progressed through the ranks, and was appointed chief in 2015. Throughout his tenure as police chief, the Bolton Police Department saw significant growth. Nelson established a location for turning in unwanted or expired medications, implemented a policy to equip officers with nasal naloxone, and acquired solar powered speed display signage.

To learn more about Warren and his time with the Bolton Police Department, visit 👉 bit.ly/alumninewsWN

📢 Get your tickets here! Just 10 spots left for WNE Night at Fenway. Join us as the Boston Red Sox take on the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, August 24, at 4:10 PM. ⚾

Don't miss out—secure your tickets today here 👉 bit.ly/WNEatFenway24.

Anchors aweigh! 🚤🌊

Check out alumnus, Randy Milou Jr. ’03/L’06, launching his new boat, Naut Guilty! We love to see our having their summer fun in the sun! Share your adventures while repping WNE gear with us by tagging Western New England University Alumni in your post or by sending us a DM.

We can’t wait to see how our Golden Bears are making a splash this season! 🐻💙

Western New England University School of Law alumnus, The Honorable Francisco Calderon L'97, has been appointed to the esteemed role of New York State Court of Claims Judge. Before his tenure, he was an assistant district attorney in Albany County, after serving as their deputy conflict defender. His career is marked by unwavering leadership and dedication in managing both criminal and civil matters.

To learn more about Judge Calderon and his appointment at the New York State Court of Claims, visit 👉 bit.ly/alumninewsFC

We are THREE MONTHS away from the biggest event of the year— ! 🐻 Mark your calendars for Friday, October 18 through Sunday, October 20, 2024, and join us at Western New England University for a weekend full of fun and unforgettable memories. This event combines the traditions of Open House, Family & Friends Weekend, and Homecoming! Don't miss the festivities and the chance to reconnect with the Golden Bear community. We can't wait to see you there! 🎉

Stay tuned—event registration and more information will be available soon.

🎵 Take WNE out to the ball game ⚾, Take WNE out with the crowd; Buy us some peanuts and Cracker Jacks ... Have a homerun of an evening with fellow as we root for the Boston Red Sox as they battle the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, August 24, at 4:10 PM! Tickets are $55 each and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Get your Fenway Park tickets before they're gone 👉 bit.ly/WNEatFenway24.

Did you have exciting news to share in the latest issue of the WNE magazine, but missed the submission deadline? 📢 Submit your class notes today to make sure your professional accomplishments, wedding, or baby announcement shines in the next issue!

Be part of our winter issue! Submit your class notes here 👉 surveymonkey.com/r/w20classnote 💙💛

🚨 Attention: Alumni Business Owners 🚨

Be a part of this new tradition! 🐻 Join us for on Saturday, October 19, 2024, on Golden Bear Boulevard. Sign up by Tuesday, October 1, 2024, to secure your spot and sell your products to the Western New England University community! Contact Dana Pugh at [email protected] or (413) 782-1311 for more information.

Western New England University School of Law alumnus Jonathan Longobardi L’10 has become a partner at Halloran Sage in the New Haven, Conn. office, making him a feature for our ! He specializes in insurance defense, personal injury, transportation, medical malpractice, and commercial litigation. He joins Halloran Sage with an extensive background of experience in federal, state, and municipal laws, and contract law as in-house counsel for a telecommunications company.

To learn more about Jonathan and his new appointment at Halloran Sage, visit 👉 bit.ly/alumninewsJL

Explore the latest news from WNE with the current issue of WNE Magazine. Dive into a variety of topics that showcase the vibrancy of our community! This issue highlights the exceptional achievements of our students and faculty, featuring a thought-provoking article on the upcoming election, heartfelt reflections on the retirement of a beloved faculty member, and the innovative work happening with silicon photonics right here on campus.

Discover these stories and more at magazine.wne.edu

Are you wicked excited when the Red Sox play at Fenway? ⚾ Don't miss WNE Night at Fenway on Saturday, August 24, when the Boston Red Sox take on the Arizona Diamondbacks at 4:10 PM. Tickets are $55 each, limited to 2 per alumni household, and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visit here 👉 bit.ly/WNEatFenway24 to get your tickets today!

Western New England University College of Business alumna Christine Byrne '02/G'21, has been promoted to director of finance for the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) after serving as the assistant director of finance. Before starting her journey with the ESE in May 2023, she served as the chief financial officer for the Center of Hope Foundation Inc. and has held various finance and accounting positions at the Tri-Community YMCA, Howlett Lumber Co., Wing Memorial Hospital, and Court Square Group. Byrne is excited to attend the Big E every year and is thrilled to be part of the company that produces this annual fair.

To learn more about Christine and her new position at the Eastern States Exposition, visit 👉 bit.ly/alumninewsCB

The Golden Bear 🐻 spirit that embodies those who have stepped foot on campus radiated from alumni at the Golden Graduates Luncheon on Wednesday, June 26. This annual event, hosted by the WNE Alumni Association, honors alumni who graduated 50+ years ago. The Golden Graduates spent the afternoon overlooking green and vibrant grounds while reconnecting with one another, reminiscing on their time at WNE, looking back at their personal and professional paths since graduating, and reflecting on changes to campus. 💙💛

Didn’t make it to campus? Read the event recap and view photos from the luncheon here 👉 bit.ly/GoldenGrads24.

Congratulations to the joyful couple, Alan, L'80, and Melissa, L'82! WNE is proud to be your "something blue"💙.

, we've moved to a new LinkedIn page to allow seamless news sharing, networking, and updates on upcoming events! 💛💙

Join us NOW 👉 https://bit.ly/linkedin-wnealumni.

Last week Western New England University School of Law alumna, Clarissa Wright L'99, was elected as a 2024 Black Leader of Massachusetts in honor of the Juneteenth holiday. Practicing law for 22 years; she first served in the Worcester, Mass. district attorney’s office, later moving to Hampden County where she has been the assistant district attorney for the last 12 years. She takes pride in ensuring the safety of the community and being a voice for the voiceless. Wright also engages in volunteer work locally through the district attorney’s office, Women Lawyers of Color, at the local Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. chapter, and as a Board of Bar Overseer. ⚖️

To learn more about Clarissa and her nomination, visit 👉 https://bit.ly/alumninewsCW99

Class of 2024 – Upon graduation you turned a new chapter in your life...you’re now officially Golden Bear alumni! 🐻 As an alum of Western New England University you are a proud member of the WNE Alumni Association. Enjoy benefits, connections, and services that are only offered to YOU! 💛💙

Discover the complete list of benefits at alumni.wne.edu/benefits.

Western New England University School of Law alumnus Yassine Sahbani L'21 has joined Barclay Damon as a commercial litigation associate attorney in New Haven, Conn. Specializing in civil litigation with a focus on complex contract disputes, he joins the firm to offer targeted solutions. Sahbani’s approach is grounded in industry expertise and a deep understanding of his clients' businesses, making him a feature for our !

To learn more about Yassine and his new appointment at Barclay Damon, visit bit.ly/alumninewsYS

Golden Bears 🐻 are connecting in every corner of the world 🌍. Laura Cafaro '20 and Rachel Bauer '20 loved their experiences during the Sorrento Study Abroad trip in 2017 so much that they’re back exploring on their own. In Italy now, they had the opportunity to meet up with WNE’s current Western New England University’s Study Abroad Program group where they were able to connect with students and faculty!

SOAR (Summer Orientation and Registration) is kicking off, and we're thrilled to welcome the newest generation of Golden Bears 🐻 to Western New England University! To mark the occasion, enjoy a of Orientation Group Leaders (OGLs) who helped guide students through SOAR from 1986.

Earlier last week, we paid tribute to three remarkable Western New England University alumni recognizing their commitment, integrity, generosity, and impactful contributions to both the WNE community and beyond. Join us in extending a heartfelt congratulations to this year's esteemed Alumni Award recipients! 💛💙

To read more about our honorees and this event, visit 👉 bit.ly/24alumniawards

Fresh off the press! 📰

Stay up to date and connected with all things WNE through our monthly Bear Aware & Law Digest e-newsletters! Explore the latest news from our five schools and colleges, featuring campus updates, alumni in the news, and upcoming events by visiting the links below 👇:

WNEU College of Engineering ➡️ bit.ly/6-2024-COE
WNEU College of Arts and Sciences ➡️️ bit.ly/6-2024-COAS
Western New England University School of Law Alumni ➡️️ bit.ly/6-2024-SOL
Western New England University College of Business ➡️️ bit.ly/6-2024-COB
Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences ➡️️ bit.ly/6-2024-COPHS
💙🐻💛

Hey ! We're excited to share we're moving LinkedIn pages. Join the new group, where sharing your news, networking opportunities and upcoming events is even easier 🙌.

Join here 👉: https://bit.ly/linkedin-wnealumni.

1️⃣ week left to register to join the Golden Graduates Luncheon at Western New England University, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Celebrating Golden Bear alumni that graduated 50 years ago or more, we warmly welcome the classes of 1974 and earlier to return to campus and enjoy a complimentary luncheon in recognition of your enduring connection to our alma mater.

The registration deadline is Wednesday, June 19! REGISTER TODAY 👉 https://bit.ly/WNEGoldenGrad24

We sincerely thank all the alumni from the Western New England University Alumni for joining the Greater Hartford Law Alumni Reception last Tuesday evening at The Society Room in Hartford, Conn. As we reflect back on the remarks shared by The Honorable Michael Wu L’83 and Dean Zelda Harris, they emphasized the impact that connections and networking have as professional and as current students, and reminded everyone in attendance not to forget how influential their time at WNE University School of Law was for their careers.

We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future and hope to see you there! Missed the event? Read the recap and view photos 👉 bit.ly/24-sol-alumni-reception

Western New England University College of Business alumnus Todd Shelansky '93 has been named managing principal at HarperWhitfield, a certified public accounting (CPA) firm. In this capacity, he will guide the team in fulfilling the firm’s mission and promoting its successful growth. Shelansky has been with the firm since 1994, advancing to manager in 2003 and to principal in 2015. His enduring dedication and progressive leadership have been crucial to his rise within the company, culminating in this latest promotion.

To learn more about Todd and his new position at HarperWhitfield, visit 👉bit.ly/alumninewsTS